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Paul Benson

Paul Benson

Paul Benson is a Certified Financial Planner, and host of the Financial Autonomy podcast.

Freeing yourself from the shackles of a mortgage is no easy task.

How can we clear our $500,000 mortgage in five years time?

If you have the risk appetite, and the income, you can wipe a fair amount off your mortgage rather quickly.

  • Paul Benson

Latest

Mortgage moves.

I’m 36 with only $45k left on my mortgage. Should I pay it off early?

There’s the peace of mind and extra flexibility you gain through being mortgage free, and that has real value, even if it doesn’t show up on a spreadsheet.

  • Paul Benson
Trustees do not have unfettered power to deliberately exclude particular beneficiaries, even if they are estranged.

I want to fairly give my three nephews money. How should I do it?

The impact your gifts will have on your nephews now will be far more significant than if they have to wait until you pass away.

  • Paul Benson
Financial advice can be complex and confusing.

My super fund’s no help. So how do I choose a good financial advisor?

Your priority should be to find someone with whom you feel comfortable having open and frank discussions.

  • Paul Benson
Topping up your super.

I’m 53 and earning $5600 a month. Should I be adding more to my super?

The benefit of sending extra savings to superannuation depends on your other goals, but it can help your retirement fund.

  • Paul Benson
Providing an early inheritance to your children can be a good move, as long as it doesn’t disadvantage your situation.

Should we take out a reverse mortgage to help our kids buy a house?

Embarking on an early inheritance strategy can work to tackle the generational imbalances caused by high home prices.

  • Paul Benson
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I’m about to get my inheritance. Should I buy a Lamborghini?

I’m about to get my inheritance. Should I buy a Lamborghini?

Once you’ve cleared your mortgage and set a nest egg aside, perhaps you could pursue fun things like a sports car.

  • Paul Benson
Cutting down your super so you qualify for the pension is generally not a good idea.

We have $1.2m in super. Should we try to qualify for the age pension?

Financial gymnastics aimed at obtaining a few extra dollars from social security that you don’t really need is not my cup of tea.

  • Paul Benson
Combining two super accounts? Beware any untaxed portions.

Why did I have to pay $18,000 in tax when consolidating my super?

Untaxed components in super accounts are relatively rare these days, and they all have to be taxed eventually.

  • Paul Benson
Adding an investment property to your portfolio is not an easy ride.

All my friends are buying investment properties. Should I buy one too?

I understand the allure of property from an investment perspective, but being more conservative can often pay off in the long run.

  • Paul Benson